Irene Collins

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Irene May Collins, age 92, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at NHC HealthCare in Joplin.

Irene was born in Medoc, Missouri, on August 15, 1924 to the union of Charles and Margaret (Lambkins) Foster. She resided in Picher, Oklahoma, for a short time with her family before moving to the Joplin area in the early 1940s. On July 10, 1965, Irene was united in marriage with Harry Collins and together they shared almost twenty-four years of marriage before his passing on May 19, 1989. Irene was a devoted homemaker and she took great pride in keeping her home clean and organized. Most importantly, she loved caring for her son, James. She also greatly enjoyed a good book. Irene was a member of the former McKinley Avenue Baptist Church in Joplin.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry; two sisters, Lois Wilson and Dorothy Hampton; and three brothers, Robert Foster, Glenn Foster and Richard Foster.

Survivors include her son, James “Jim” Collins, of Joplin; three nieces, Zelma McPherson and husband, Tim, of Portland, Oregon, Margaret Gilmartin of Collinsville, Oklahoma, and Sheila Pace of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family and friends.

Graveside services for Irene are 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin with Eric Roach officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society in care of the mortuary. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.thornhilldillon.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.